Petaluma resident, Lee McCann, receives a 75 year pin for his volunteer efforts with the Boy Scouts

Lee McCann was presented with his 75th anniversary veteran pin by Al Westberg.

2016 Sidewalk Sale

2016 Sidewalk Sale

CNU 24: Getting Around Detroit

To begin my report from CNU 24, the urbanist event that’s a fixture on my calendar, I offer walkability and transit anecdotes from Detroit.

5 Tips For An Amazing Summer With Your Family

5 Ideas to help your family stay amazing this summer!

Taking the Next Step - Opportunities to Make a Difference during the Week of June 12

Another week, another list of opportunities to become publicly involved in urbanist advocacy.

The Dog Lover, filmed in Petaluma, premieres on Friday July 8th

Join Ali Afhar, a Petaluma native and Casa Grande High graduate with some of the cast that night at Boulevard 14 Cinemas in Petaluma

Support this World War 2 & Korean War Veteran

Mr. Donald Hugh Cameron will be traveling to Washington D.C. to be part of the dedication of the Memorial Wall in September.

Link-Fest: Detroit

Links about Detroit cover topics from ethically challenged mayors to the problem of finding mortgages in a property value wasteland.

Lunchtime Lesson: Winning Your First Customers- Fri, 6/17

Informative Business Classes in compact one-hour sessions hosted by WORK Petaluma

Detroit: Reading List

I summarize the reading list used to prepare for my trip to Detroit, including one highly recommended volume.

Detroit: A Draft History

The fall of Detroit is often presented as proof that urbanism doesn’t work, but there are many elements of the reverse.

Taking the Next Step - Opportunities to Make a Difference during the Week of June 5

Another week, another list of possible community involvement opportunities, highlighted by two Bay Area 2040 meetings.

Lunchtime Lesson: Craft Beer and Beverage Law - Fri, 6/10

Informative Business Classes in compact one-hour sessions hosted by WORK Petaluma

Lunchtime Lesson: Tech Talk - Four Ways to Build an App - Fri, 6/3

Informative Business Classes in compact one-hour sessions hosted by WORK Petaluma

Link-Fest: Rail Transit

In recognition of the coming SMART train, a number of rail transit links and other stories are collected.

45th Annual Avenue of the Flags

Memorial Day Event

It's Time to be Mature, Deliberate Civic Mentors

The ramping up to full SMART service could trigger local anger. Urbanists will need to act as calm, restrained community mentors.

Taking the Next Step - Opportunities for Public Education and Participation, Week of May 29

A weekly summary of North Bay opportunities for urbanists to get involved and to make a difference.

WORKshop: Go the Distance-Define Success & Stay on Track - Sat, 6/25

High-impact, hands-on business classes taught by top-notch professionals right here in the North Bay.

Is It Time for Regional Government?

Regional government could be an essential, but missing, element of governance in the U.S. It may be time to consider it.

Link-Fest: Why Urbanism?

The pillars that support walkable urbanism are explored through links that touch on raccoons and the social life of eighth graders.

Easy First Aid Class this Friday

Painless and fun, you are guaranteed to learn new skills and respond confidently following this short sixty minute session.

Asm. Bill Dodd: Organ Donors Needed

Organ donations save lives. Are you signed up for California's organ, eye and tissue donor registry?

Petaluma Children's Chorus Spring Concert

Petaluma Children's Chorus presents its Spring Concert!

Making Course Adjustments

To better manage my time while also highlighting opportunities for public involvement by readers, I’ll make several changes in this blog.

Cheer on PJHS & KJHS Bands @ the Giants Game Tonight!

Kenilworth Junior High & Petaluma Junior High Bands perform the National Anthem at the San Francisco Giants Game as part of PEF Night

Miwok District of the Redwood Empire Council of the BSA to have fundraiser at the KOA in Petaluma

Saturday May 21st-Miwok District fundraiser at the KOA in Petaluma for the Boy Scouts of America

Water Conservation Standards: Smarter, but Not Smart Enough

The emerging post-drought water conservation standards are mostly reasonable, but still don’t consider land-use patterns.

Cecchetti Wine Company Backs Global Wine Business Learning Center

Roy Cecchetti, Sonoma MBA Class of 1989, Contributes $200,000

"Dine & Donate" at La Dolce Vita in support of the Alzheimer's Association

Tuesday June 7th from 5-9pm, La Dolce Vita in downtown Petaluma is having a "Dine & Donate" in support of the Alzheimer's Association

Even If They're Not Really Leaving, They're Still Telling Us Something

A large number of people are threatening to leave the Bay Area, showing a deep and important dissatisfaction.

Baskin Robbins in Petaluma supports the Alzheimer's Associaton

Baskin Robbins, a locally owned franchise, is having a "Dine & Donate" on Thurs May 26th from 4-8pm in support of the Alzheimer's Assoc.

The Train is Coming, Are We Ready?

From a recent preview of the SMART train, all appears well, but is the region ready to make good use of commuter rail?

WORKshop: Create Engaging Video Content - Sat, 6/11

High-impact, hands-on business classes taught by top-notch professionals right here in the North Bay.

Lunchtime Lesson: Double the Effectiveness of Your Planning - Fri, 5/20

Informative Business Classes in compact one-hour sessions hosted by WORK Petaluma

Sometimes Developers Aren't the Problem

What we sometimes describe as developers not giving us what we need is us asking for the wrong thing.

Digging into the Urban Planner's Oath

The Urban Planner’s Oath suggested by StrongTowns is powerful and necessary, but leaves two points that could be better addressed.

Jane Jacobs as Developer

Jane Jacobs would have turned 100 this week. We can still learn much from her, including the difficulty of being a good developer.

WORKshop: Create Compelling Photo Content - Sat, 5/21

High-impact, hands-on business classes taught by top-notch professionals right here in the North Bay.

LUNCHTIME LESSON: FINDING YOUR 'WHY': BUILDING A BUSINESS VISION

Defining your ‘WHY’ is what separates successful, innovative entrepreneurs and companies from the status quo.